A Proscriptive Relationship

:A Proscriptive Relationship: 33

"I still can't believe you got lost at the beach," Lance said, cracking up yet again. "I mean, how can you get lost at a beach?"

"You just can," I snapped, stabbing my fork into my mashed potatoes.

"I don't think she minded," Casey added, a small smirk on her face. "After all, Mr. Heywood was sent out to find her, and he was gone for awhile."

I kept my mouth shut, trying not to be angry with them. They didn't know what had actually happened, nor did I plan on telling them, so it wasn't their fault. But their comments were getting irritating.

"So, what, are you and Heywood dating now?" Lance asked, frowning. "If I ever see you two snogging I swear I'll be sick."

"We aren't together," I snapped, flushing. "And here we call that making out, not snogging."

"Oh, come on, Holly," Casey started with a smirk. "You guys were gone a really long time."

"Drop it," I snapped, growing more and more aggravated.

Casey opened her mouth to continue to tease me, but the lunch bell cut her off. A smug smirk slipped onto my face as I stood up, grabbing my bottle of water, and mixed myself in among the gaggle of students leaving the cafeteria. I heard Casey call after me, but I ignored her, hurrying out.

I nearly ran all the way to biology, stopping by my locker to quickly grab my backpack. Before entering, I took a few deep breaths to regain my breath. What would Mr. Heywood say if I was first to class instead of last or close to last for once? A smirk appeared on my face and I entered the room.

To my pleasure the room was empty except for Mr. Heywood who sat at his desk, looking at a piece of paper. When he heard me, he looked up. Shock flitted across his face before a smirk slowly appeared.

"Well, Ms. Evers, congratulations on being first for once."

"Shocking, isn't it?" I asked, a smile on my face now.

Mr. Heywood chuckled, before suddenly turning serious. "How are you feeling?" "Um, fine," I responded, frowning at his sudden change of tone. "How's the cut on your arm?"

"Don't worry about it," he said, shaking his head. "How's your ankle?"

I clenched my fist lightly, glowering at Mr. Heywood. "My ankle's fine, it was only a little twist. And don't say 'don't worry about it' because obviously I'm going to worry if you're hurt too! Especially since it's my fault, Mr. Heywood!"

He looked surprised. "But, Holly, I'm fine-"

"That doesn't matter!" I argued. "I worry for you just as much as you worry for me."

"Who said I worried for you?"

I stared at him, my face going blank. He wasn't worried? Embarrassment washed over me and I felt my face grow hot. Why should he be worried, right? It was only my foolishness that let me to believe that-

Mr. Heywood's laughter interrupted my thoughts and I glared at him. He continued laughing for a few minutes, shaking his head. I tried to keep my mouth shut and wait for him to be done, but I lost my patience.

"What?" I snapped.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, clearing his throat. "I was kidding. I do worry about you."

I felt relief wash through me, and then embarrassment again. If he worried about me then...

"You're reactions are just too cute."

I blushed again and scowled at him. I was about to retort, when a different thought popped into my head. A frown spread across my face as I debated on how to ask the question that I wanted to. Mr. Heywood now was frowning at my expression.